University likely to receive $10.5 million in research funds

Binghamton University is in line to receive $10.5 million in federal funds for research projects, U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey said during a news conference Sept. 20.

The federal investment, which has been approved by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, will go to the University’s Small Scale Systems Integration and Packaging Center (S3IP).

S3IP, which includes the Center for Autonomous Solar Power (CASP) and the Center for Advanced Microelectronics Manufacturing (CAMM), has created more than $700 million in economic impact to state businesses since 1996 and helped create and retain more than 560 jobs with local companies over the past three years.

“Creating local jobs and improving the local economy is the top priority,” Hinchey said at the Analytical and Diagnostics Laboratory at the University’s Innovative Technologies Complex. “That’s why I have spent years working with Binghamton University to bring in federal investments that will generate new research, drive more growth and support job creation.

“These efforts will allow us to continue to establish the Southern Tier as a central hub for innovation and high-technology manufacturing.”

The $10.5 million in funding, which still needs to be approved by Congress, will be invested in four research efforts:

* $4 million to CASP to make the center fully operational and allow it to further focus on the development of uninterrupted solar power sources.

“Advancing solar technology has been a passion of mine for a number of years,” Hinchey said. “It presents us with enormous economic and environmental potential.”

* $3 million for S3IP to develop and evaluate electronic circuitry miniaturization to provide sensors, controls and components, along with electromagnetic interference capabilities to protect U.S. troops.

* $2 million to enhance patient safety software applications being developed by the Army.

* $1.5 million to develop a display system that provides accurate visual representations for Army training simulators.
“These are solid, innovative research projects,” Hinchey said. “They are going to create jobs, improve the economy and benefit our military personnel.”

Also at the news conference, Interim President C. Peter Magrath and Interim Vice President of Research Bahgat Sammakia announced that Charles R. Westgate will serve as CASP director.

Westgate, who was appointed in March by SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher as special adviser for academics and athletics for the SUNY system, is a former dean of the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science.

“The funds provided from Congressman Hinchey’s support and other sources will accelerate (CASP’s) progress and create a great opportunity for Binghamton University and our region,” Westgate said.